David Davis's resignation is not, as Julian Glover implies, histrionics (Comment, June 13). Given the origins of your paper, I have always seen it as a bastion for liberalism in Britain. Yet Glover's mockery of Davis is frustrating. Yes, liberal Britain has found an unlikely hero: Davis has indeed called for the return of the death penalty and wants to scrap the Human Rights Act. However, he has clearly stated that if "they do send me back here, it will be with a single message - that the monstrosity of a law that we passed yesterday will not stand". Davis will fight his byelection on the 42-day issue alone.

All those who opposed Wednesday's bill should be behind Davis in his opposition to this "monstrosity". Davis correctly attacked "the shabby and squalid process" Gordon Brown used to win Wednesday's vote; Harriet Harman's condemnation of Davis's decision as "irresponsible" is symptomatic of an arrogant and out-of-touch government. After years of Blairite spin, it is refreshing to witness a politician willing to risk his career for principle.Jamie Perry, Bridgwater, Somerset

Does David Davis realise how much it costs to hold a byelection? I read somewhere that Crewe and Nantwich cost the Treasury over £2.7bn.Chris Bond,London